S. Africa tests first new TB vaccine in 80 years

abc01 submitted, created time 1 year 5 months (www.reutershealth.com)

The first new vaccine against tuberculosis in more than 80 years has entered mid-stage trials in South Africa, where the killer disease is rife. If the tests are successful, a new shot against M. tuberculosis (TB) bacteria could be available within eight years.

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Vaccine Significantly Reduces Childhood Pneumonia Cases

angelfish submitted, created time 1 year 9 months (www.medicalnewstoday.com)

The vaccine was intended for protection from meningitis and bacteremia. However, it also protects from other common infections, such as pneumonia and ear infections. The research team studied hospital admissions for pneumonia nationwide during two periods - 1997 to 1999 - and - 2001 to 2004. They found than pneumonia hospital admissions in 2004 dropped by 41,000. As well as protecting those who were vaccinated, others were protected, say the researchers, because they were less exposed to pneumonia .

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Vaccine needed: Cambodia, Egypt report H5N1 cases

Reviver submitted, created time 1 year 9 months (www.cidrap.umn.edu)

"New human cases of H5N1 avian influenza were reported in Cambodia and Egypt today."according to one news service, Indonesian officials said they would not resume sharing H5N1 virus samples unless vaccine manufacturers promise to provide the country with free pandemic flu vaccines.

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New study shows that PCV7 vaccine routinely given to infants helps reduce frequent bouts of otitis media

alpha submitted, created time 1 year 9 months (www.sciam.com)

"It sounds like a dream come true for parents—a vaccine that can help prevent agonizing middle ear infections in infants and toddlers. "

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Clonal Waves of Neisseria Colonisation and Disease in the African Meningitis Belt

channel submitted, created time 1 year 9 months (medicine.plosjournals.org)

Bacterial meningitis is a rare but often fatal infection of the meninges—the thin membrane around the brain and the spinal cord. It can be caused by several types of bacteria, but meningococcal meningitis, which is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, is the most common form of bacterial meningitis in children and the second most common form in adults. Outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis occur all over the world, but the highest burden of disease is in the African meningitis belt.In this study, the researchers have studied the long-term dynamics of colonization by N

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